BASEBALL

BASEBALL; Piniella Is Leaving the Reds

Published: October 7, 1992

CINCINNATI, Oct. 6—
Lou Piniella, who took Cincinnati to a World Series championship in his first year in 1990, said today that he would not return as manager of the Reds next season.

Piniella said he rejected an extension of this three-year contract because it was time for a change. He said he met with owner Marge Schott for several hours Monday to discuss his future and "she was hoping to change my mind."

"It was a good three years, it was a good experience, I made some friends, I enjoyed the town, I enjoyed the players I managed," Piniella told WLWT. "And I learned a hell of a lot."

After going 91-71 two years ago and sweeping Oakland in the World Series, Piniella's Reds fell to fifth place (74-88) in National League West last season but rebounded to second place (90-72) this year.

Piniella is building a home in the Tampa area, where he grew up, and there are indications he would be interested in managing the Giants if they move to St. Petersburg. However, Giants Manager Roger Craig has one year left on his contract.